1908 $2 1/2 PR66 NGC....

Description

1908 PR66 Indian Quarter EagleFirst Year of the Matte Finish

1908 $2 1/2 PR66 NGC. The novel matte or sandblast finish
for proofs began in 1908. Mint records indicate 236 quarter eagles
were struck, and it is possible that half that many survive today,
making it the most "available" date in the series. The word
"available" must be placed in quotes, however, as 118 proofs is a
minuscule number compared to the number of collectors who would
like to own one. This year has a characteristic khaki-brown color,
a finish almost never seen on other matte proof dates. This example
has that expected deep color. The surfaces are seemingly free from
post-striking impairments. The only disturbances are a pair of tiny
planchet flakes in the left reverse field that are clearly of
prestriking origin, as the sandblast finish covers them. A
pronounced wire rim encircles each side. Census: 40 in 66, 27 finer
(5/11).(Registry
values: N7079) (NGC ID# 289G, PCGS# 7957)